The DNA Center integration will give customers one place to manage and visualize all of their Cisco networks, creating an 'enormous opportunity' for partners, says Cisco Meraki leader Todd Nightingale.

'A customer that makes an initial purchase of Meraki, with all the partner services that come with it, that customer tends to quadruple their spend over the next two years,' Cisco Meraki leader Todd Nightingale tells CRN.

Exactly one year after announcing its intent to acquire Level 3, CenturyLink completes the acquisition and says the newly combined company will primarily target business users with strategic networking and managed services.

CenturyLink received final clearance from the FCC on Monday, signaling the imminent close of its $34 billion acquisition of Level 3. As leadership changes go into effect, partners are waiting to learn what changes await the channel strategy for the combined company.

'Digital transformation continues to be the biggest opportunity in our industry. At the same time, it is creating some challenges, but it's creating market opportunities for partners and customers alike,' Bahr tells CRN.

Verizon channel chief Joe Chuisano has been busy evolving the carrier's partner program since taking the reins from Janet Schijns this summer. He talks with CRN about hot selling opportunities for partners and channel program plans.

Comcast attributes another successful quarter for its cable services division to a combination of Gigabit-speed internet offerings and growth within business services, especially as the provider captures more SMB customers.

CRN's 2018 MSP 500
With the fast-growing -- and fast-changing -- MSP landscape in mind, CRN has again assembled the MSP 500, an annual list that recognizes North American solution providers with cutting-edge approaches to managed services.